How to Make a Neoclassical Room

Ionic columns frequently appear in Neoclassical designs.

Elegant, luxurious and romantic, the Neoclassical interior design style infuses any room with European formality. A style that first emerged in 18th-century Britain and France, Neoclassical decor draws on classic Greek and Roman art and architecture by featuring columns, swags, gilt, classical reliefs and opulent furnishings. This design scheme adds sophistication to any space, but avoid over-decorating with these ornate items or your room can quickly go from grand to gaudy.

About Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism emerged in Britain and France during the 1750s during the Age of Enlightenment, and a resurgence of interest in classical Greek and Roman philosophy and literature. Neoclassic designs pulled from those same Greco-Roman roots to incorporate columns, ornate swags, garlands and festoons, cameo-style figures in reliefs, gilt furniture and rich fabrics into interior decors. Although very rich and detailed, Neoclassical designs are more refined and clean-lined than previous design styles like Baroque. During that same period in America, Neoclassical design styles included Federal and Greek Revival.

Adjusting Architecture

Bring Neoclassicism into your room by adjusting the space’s architectural elements. Use fluted trim to frame out doors and windows with a wider decorative molding at the top featuring Greco-Roman figures or swags. Run a crown molding around the top of the walls that incorporates Neoclassical design elements such as the acanthus leaf, garlands, fabric swags or festoons. Mimic Neoclassical exteriors by adding full-sized, free-standing columns designed in one of the famous Doric, Ionic or Corinthian styles.

Finding Furniture

Neoclassical furniture embraced clean, straight lines and geometric shapes, while still incorporating some of detailed carvings so prominent in the preceding Baroque and Rococo periods. Look for refined pieces that feature design elements such as tapered, fluted or reeded legs, gold gilt accents, scrolls, medallions, rosettes and lyre designs. Fabrics and upholstery in a Neoclassical design should be in rich, but muted hues, such as moss greens, grayish blues, dusty pinks, subdued maroons and crisp, classic whites. Wide stripes and repeating patterns were popular prints during the period, along with toiles depicting Greco-Roman motifs.

Adding Accessories

Ornate vases and urns were the decorative accessory to have in a Neoclassical design. These vessels were often designed in a solid color and embellished with white designs in repeating patterns, such as garlands or swags. Many Neoclassical accessories featured mythical creatures such as griffins, satyrs and even Sphinxes when Egyptian influences became popular in the latter half of the Neoclassical era. Introduce these design elements in lamps, paintings, pillows, mirrors and other thematic accessories.

About the Author

A former art instructor, high school counselor and party planner, Christine Bartsch writes fashion, travel, interior design, education and entertainment content. Bartsch earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in communications/psychology/fine arts from Wisconsin Lutheran College and a creative writing Master of Fine Arts from Spalding University. She's written scripts for film/television productions and worked as the senior writer at a video game company.